Drawn to Speed by Lander John

Author:Lander, John
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Published: 2015-07-29T16:00:00+00:00

“Miles and Friend”

In the pre–World War II years, naming of cars was a popular tradition, especially in Great Britain. Miles Collier christened his MG Special “Leonidis.” Leonidis began life as one of a three-car team the factory ran at Le Mans in 1935. Later in the year, engine size was increased to 939 cc and the cars took part in British trials. In October the cars were then sold to private owners. Before taking delivery, Miles had the factory install a large Marshall supercharger.

In early 1937, an accident with a New York City cab left the MG with a totaled body. Luckily, John Oliveau of Grumman Aircraft Co. was available to construct new, lightweight bodywork. Leonidis, in this new form, was raced by Collier in the ARAC races of the 1930s. In 1939, Collier took Leonidis back to Le Mans with Leroy Cramer, Jr., as co-driver. They were easily leading their class when a split fuel tank ended the race for them.

Miles raced Leonidis one last time in 1950 at Bridgehampton, N.Y., coming from last on the grid to win. This illustration shows them at the finish.

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